How to Climb Monkey Bars

Monkey bars are as educational as they are recreational.

Monkey bars, also commonly referred to as jungle gyms, are, according to the Farlex free dictionary, "a three-dimensional structure of poles and bars on which children can play." They can also be a series of bars in a row that are meant to be swung on, going across, under the bars, from one to the other. These geometrically pieced-together play pieces are most commonly found in playgrounds at schools, parks, daycare centers and other recreational facilities. Children climb on and inside these structures as a means of recreation. They inadvertently provide lessons on how to assess and take risks, on learning the limits of one's strength and on problem solving.

Instructions

1. Start by firmly grasping the two poles on either side of the ladder at the base of the monkey bars for support. Gauge how many rungs you will need to climb in order to reach the first rung of the bars that you will use to move across the structure. This will depend on your height. Climb up as many rungs as you need to, holding tightly to the sides to steady you. If you feel uncomfortable, ask someone capable of holding your body weight, should you fall, to stand nearby while you navigate your way up the side of the monkey bars.

2. Grasp the first bar that you will use to move from one end of the monkey bars to the other. This is where the challenge--physically, emotionally and mentally--may start to kick in. If you are afraid of heights, you may need to psyche yourself out by telling yourself you can do it, that it's not that far from the ground, that someone will be there to catch you if you fall. If you feel that you aren't strong enough to carry yourself across, you just have to try. The more momentum you have the easier it will be to swing from rung to rung.

3. Increase your momentum to get across faster by swinging the bottom half of your body, especially your hips, toward the direction that you want to go. Using the force of your whole body will help move you across, without necessarily forcing your arms to do all the work. Continue moving from rung to rung until you reach the opposite side of the monkey bars. If you feel comfortable enough and the height isn't too far from the ground, you can dismount by just letting go of the bars and dropping to the ground. Otherwise, when you get to the last rung, land your feet on the ladder of rungs perpendicular to the ground and, one hand at a time, grab the two vertical support poles on either side of the ladder. Climb down.

Tips & Warnings

• It must be noted that children under the age of 12 should be supervised by an adult while attempting to climb monkey bars. Be sure children have an adult "spotter" who can catch them if they slip while climbing up or across.

References

• Scholastic
• The Free Dictionary